Monday 27 August 2012

Science Museum Goes All Sci Fi Again

Don't you just love British museums. Well when they do things like free nights of Science Fiction related stuff then we do! This Wednesday, the Science Museum will be going all Sci Fi for one evening only. Check out what's happening:

'Aliens, super heroes and creatures from outer space are the inspiration for this month’s Lates with MasterCard – which looks at the incredible world of science fiction. Come to the Science Museum on Wednesday 29 August, 6.45-10.00pm for an evening of mid-week entertainment, live music and fun activities in the museum after hours.

We Have Met the Future and it is Us, Lecture Theatre Talks, Ground Floor,  7.10-7.30pm, 8.30-9.00pm
Ever since the Frankenstein Monster disappeared over the curve of the planet, science fiction has taken the world as its stage. In the end, what Science Fiction talks about is the fate of the world. It might have been an American geek project once upon a time, but now everyone seems to write it. Because Science Fiction is about how everyone lives today.

The (alternative) history of SteamPunk, Lecture Theatre, Ground Floor
Talks: 7.45-8.15pm, 9.15-9.45pm
Alex Fitch explores the continuing fascination with Science Fiction set in the Victorian era, but still being written today, and how it has influenced literature, film and fashion, with links to the 19th Century technology on display in the Science Museum.

Alter Ego, First Floor opposite Agriculture gallery -  All evening
Have you forgotten your sci-fi costume at home and are feeling a bit left out? Fear not! Pick up a pair of our special pants to decorate and showcase your sci-fi skills. Finish the look off by painting your face to complete your avatar.
Event costs £1.00 to take part.

Photo Me Retro, Second Floor next to Oramics exhibition – All evening
Visit Fishee Design’s retro photo booth and have your photo taken with a range of superhero-inspired props and masks to complement your fancy-dress finery. All the photos are edited in a comic book style and will be shared via the Facebook page the following day.

Total Redraw, Watt’s Workshop, Ground Floor - All Evening  
The films ‘Total Recall’ and ‘Eternal Sunshine of the spotless mind’ implants and erases memories. If you had the chance to save one of your memories, what would it be? Come and draw your favourite memory with artist Kimbo Silver.

The Quantum Workshop, Launchpad Briefing Room, Third Floor, All Evening
Quantum physics talks about being in “two places at once” and teleportation. What a strange theory, crazy physicists! University College London are bringing you a real experiment that will probe Nature’s guilty little secret, to convince you that this is science fact, not science fiction.
Other activities being held on the evening include…
Talkaoke, All night, First Floor
Talkaoke is a mobile talk show where the conversation can go anywhere! But it all starts with scientists from King’s College London talking about their research into athletic drug testing. Discuss controversial issues, what’s legal, what’s illegal, and how can they be sure?

Speed Dating, Launchpad City, Third Floor - 8.15-9.30pm
This could be your chance to meet the person of your dreams... or possibly nightmares. There’s also a free drink thrown in for all daters.
Limited numbers, buy tickets early to avoid disappointment. Charge £10, free to members. Tickets can be purchased from the main ticket desk on the ground floor.

Silent Disco, Exploring Space, Ground Floor, 7.30-9.40pm
Whether you’re practising your moves or just in the mood to slam dunk the funk, grab a headset, select your tunes and dance until you drop. The Science Museum does not accept responsibility for the quality of some of the moves you will see this evening.

Punk Science, IMAX Theatre, 8.30-9.15pm
Punk Science: episode IV "A New Hope and Milton"
A long time ago in a museum far, far away...Two talentless losers created a show about science fiction, so set your faces to stunned and prepare for the usual mix of shocking demonstrations, music and comedy. Remember, there is only one chance to see them this month.    
Places limited to 400 visitors per session.

The Pub Quiz, upper level Energy café, Ground Floor Mezzanine, Ground Floor, 8.00-9.00pm
Come to our Pub Quiz. It’s now an institution, with fantastic treats for the winners. Losers get directions to a library for extra swotting.
Places limited to 70 visitors. Charge £2, free to members.

Launchpad, Third Floor – including science shows - 7.30, 8.00, 8.30, 9.00pm
You remember it well from when you were nine... and if you don’t, now’s your chance to realise what you missed. Exercise your mental muscle through interactive science fun with no kids between you and the big red buttons to press.

Cockroach Tours, meet at the front of Making the Modern World gallery, Ground Floor. Times: 7.30-8.00pm, 8.45-9.15pm.
Put yourself in their shells. Take a Cockroach Tour of the Science Museum and get a quirky and inquisitive take on the human race.

Who Am I? Gallery Tour, First Floor, 8.15-8.45pm
Do our genes define who we are or does nurture still have an important effect? Join us on this tour to see how genes impact on our whole lives and beyond!
Suitable for deaf and hearing visitors

Challenge of Materials Gallery Tour, Challenge of Materials, First Floor, 7.15-7.45pm
From a bridge made of glass to rubber that mimics plants, explore the materials that surround us on this tour of the Challenge of Materials gallery.
Suitable for deaf and hearing visitors

Fly with the Red Arrows in Fly Zone, All night, charges apply
Discover the thrill of flying in the cockpit of a Red Arrows jet in our breathtaking Red Arrows 3D flight simulation theatre.
Half-price Lates special offer – £3 per ride. £5 combination tickets available for Red Arrows 3D and Legend of Apollo 4D. Members go free.

The Lates VIP area, Cosmos and Culture, First Floor, All Evening
All night
Calling all Science Museum members and Corporate members. Visit our VIP members’ area, where you can pick up your free drink and sugary treats, and enjoy our giant games.
For priority member queues you must arrive at least 10 minutes before the event starts (limited allocation). Please note we are currently not accepting new members

For further information visit www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/lates or call 0870 870 4868.'


That's a whole lot science fictiony goodness for not a lot of dosh.

Big Names At New Star Trek Convention

Whilst we at the Sci Fi Freak Site don't get the chance to go to conventions due to that crazy little thing called life, we know that many people do. Here's one with a very impressive line up of stars:

' This autumn, London will see the launch of ‘DESTINATION STAR TREK LONDON’, which will ‘beam down’ to the ExCeL Centre on 19th – 21st October 2012. This will be the first official Star Trek live event in the UK in 10 years, offering British fans a chance to be a part of and witness Star Trek history.
Welcoming fans from all over the galaxy ‘DESTINATION STAR TREK LONDON’ will see all five of the legendary captains together including: William Shatner (Captain Kirk – Star Trek: The Original Series) will be joined by the UK’s Sir Patrick Stewart (Captain Picard – Star Trek: The Next Generation), Avery Brooks (Captain Sisko – Star Trek: Deep Space Nine), Kate Mulgrew (Captain Janeway – Star Trek: Voyager) and Scott Bakula (Captain Archer – Star Trek: Enterprise) in the once in a lifetime event.
Joining these iconic faces will also be a host of additional guests and stars from Star Trek’s 45+ years of television series and films including: Walter Koenig, Arlene Martel, Connor Trinneer (‘Trip’ Tucker – Enterprise), Dominic Keating (Lt. Malcolm Reed - Star Trek: Enterprise), Chase Masterson, Robin Curtis, Jeffrey Combs, Casey Biggs, John de Lancie, Denise Crosby, Martha Hackett, Mark Alaimo, Alice Krige, Rene Auberjonois (Odo – Deep Space Nine) and Nana Visitor (Kira Nerys – Deep Space Nine). There will be more guests added to this stellar list – watch out for further announcements! 
Fans of the show can expect many exciting features at the event including: guest talks, autograph opportunities, photo shoots with the stars, as well as replica sets, a unique Star Trek Museum, stunt demonstrations, costume displays and lots more! 
Two exclusive parties are also planned for the Friday and Saturday nights, taking place at the ExCeL with entertainment included so there's something for everyone who attends. The Klingon Monster Ball (Friday 19th Oct) will feature live music with JG Hertzler and Robert O'Reilly, blood wine and a host of Klingons to celebrate the first day of the event.
Saturday night’s party will mark the 25th Anniversary of Star Trek: The Next Generation.  The party will feature Chase Masterson (Barjoran Dabo Leeta - Star Trek: Deep Space Nine), and her all-star cabaret!
With all of this and more, ‘DESTINATION STAR TREK LONDON’ will be an unmissable event for both hardcore fans of the show and for people who are curious about the Star Trek universe!
   For more information and tickets visit www.startreklondon.com
Follow Destination Star Trek London on Twitter @StarTrek_London"

Looks like a lot of fun, but don't hold us responsible for that or for the external links included in the statement.

Sunday 26 August 2012

STARSHIP TROOPERS soldier on

Out on August 27th, the newest adventure in the STARSHIP TROOPERS franchise hits the shops in DVD and Blu Ray formats.

This time around, CGI animated troopers with powerful armour take on the warrior bugs in a fight that threatens the very earth itself.

Is it any good though?

We're not saying here, but if you would like to find out then head on over to The Sci Fi Freak Site where there's a full review waiting.

Monday 20 August 2012

Director Tony Scott Dies

Tony Scott, the director of many blockbuster Hollywood action films has died after apparently jumping off a bridge.

Scott, the brother of Ridley Scott, emerged as a film maker in his own right with a slew of sleek and shallow action  movies including TOP GUN, THE LAST BOY SCOUT, CRIMSON TIDE and MAN ON FIRE.

He made on significant contribution to the genre in the shape of the stylish, but confused vampire movie THE HUNGER starring Catherine Deneuve, Susan Sarandon and David Bowie.

This he later spun off into a TV Series with segments directed by many famous directors. The TV show lasted two seasons before slipping into obscurity, something that his movies never did.

His death is being investigated as suicide and our condolences go out to his wife and sons and to his brother Ridley.

Friday 10 August 2012

Reasons We Loved A TOWN CALLED EUREKA

This week saw the transmission of the very last episode of A TOWN CALLED EUREKA on the UK SyFy channel and since it is a show that we will miss far more than many others that have bitten the dust over the years that The Sci Fi Freak Site has been following this genre we thought we'd take this opportunity to list all the things that we have loved about it in tribute to the five years of genuine entertainment that it has given us.

  • OPTIMISM - This was one of the few truly optimistic shows that the genre has ever produced. It rarely fell into dark and angsty places (though it played with serious drama at times) and was filled with characters who were all very likeable and for whom you only ever wanted good things.
  • SHERIFF JACK CARTER - played by Colin Ferguson, Jack was the heart of the show. An everyman, he was streetwise and savvy, but always out of his depth with the sciency stuff and so was the audience replacement, the one who had to have the technobabble explained to him.
  • THE CHRISTMAS EPISODE - We make no apologies for including this. Normally festive themed episodes make us cringe with embarrassment for all involved, but O Little Town in Season 4 had everything that you could ask for including Father Christmas, giant tree decorations, a surprising Secret Santa and a genuine sense of goodwill to all men.
  • WILL THEY/WON'T THEY - Carter and the head of Global Dynamics Allison Blake were the romantic coupling that we all wanted. They were clearly perfect for each other, but in true romantic comedy fashion there were endless obstacles to overcome.
  • THE REBOOTS - The show continually pulled the rug out of from under the audience, reinventing itself by switching timelines and stealing years of people's lives to keep the idea fresh.
  • IT MADE SCIENTISTS COOL - Well maybe not, but it made science look like fun and anyone who didn't catch just a little of the enthusiasm of the characters for the pursuit of science and what it can do was probably brain dead.
  • EPISODE TITLES - The increasingly clever and fun titles of episodes was enough to get a smile on your face even when you were just reading the schedules to see what was coming up. We liked 'Of Mites and Men', 'Bad To The Drone', 'From Fear To Eternity' and 'This One Time At Space Camp'.
  • THE ENSEMBLE - There wasn't a character in A TOWN CALLED EUREKA that we didn't get on with. Even Andy the robot deputy and Sarah the intelligent house had their own storylines. Fargo the hapless button presser, Jo the hardcore deputy, Henry the genius who was happy being a repairman, Taggart the mad hunter. We loved them all and we are going to miss them like crazy.
A TOWN CALLED EUREKA was one of a kind. There was never anything like it before and there isn't likely to be anything like it again. That's one set of DVDs that won't be leaving our shelves any time in the foreseeable future.

Wednesday 8 August 2012

Whedon On For Avengers 2

It's the news that we've been waiting for! Official word has come that Joss Whedon will be helming the second Avengers movie. Considering that the first was so hugely successful and so much fun to boot it would have been inconceiveable if he hadn't.

Here's the BBC Report.

We're looking forward to it already.

Friday 20 July 2012

KILLINGS AT DARK KNIGHT RISES SHOWING

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-18921492

There is just something broken with a world where this can happen. The thoughts of Batman and Science Fiction fans the world over will be with the victims and their families.

Thursday 24 May 2012

WIN SOME MONEY CAN'T BUY STUFF!

Air New Zealand has  launched a star-studded charity auction running all this week to raise £30,000 for children’s charity Phab.

Air NZ’s celebrity fliers have donated exclusive, one-of-a-kind items and experiences to the auction including a master replica of a Stars Wars lightsaber signed by George Lucas himself, a Warner Brothers VIP deluxe studio tour in Hollywood  and trip to the Weta Workshop, masterminds behind the Lord of The Rings and the upcoming Hobbit films, as well as the chance to star in your own Comic book front cover with The Justice League!

For all Sci-Fi lovers, there are some amazing items/experiences. The auction runs until 27 May and we're hoping to raise as close to £30,000 as possible.

Here is a link to the ebay auction page with all 30 auction losts: www.airnewzealand.co.uk/ebay

Tuesday 22 May 2012

LOST - SHOWS THAT ARE GOING

Word comes that SANCTUARY has been cancelled following poor ratings in the US for season 4, following on from even poorer showing in season 3. This means that it joins this year's hit list that already contains JJ Abrams' ALCATRAZ, Jason Isaacs' AWAKE and teen witch show THE SECRET CIRCLE. Shows that will be back, however, include Keifer Sutherland's TOUCH and the ever popular FRINGE.

Monday 21 May 2012

DOCTOR WHO SHOWRUNNER PRIZED

Steven Moffat is to be rewarded for his work on DOCTOR WHO and SHERLOCK with a special award at the BAFTA TV awards on the 27th May in celebration of his 'outstanding creative writing contribution to television'.

There's no arguing with his writing, no matter what you think of the direction that the Time Lord's adventures have taken under his reign and on those grounds we think it's well deserved.

Wednesday 16 May 2012

COMIC CONVENTION ALERT

Kapow! is taking place at the Business Design Centre in Islington, London on May 19 & 20. Visitors will be amongst the first in the world to get an exclusive look at upcoming comics, Hollywood movie blockbusters, and hit TV shows from the biggest publishers and studios in the world, plus we have live events and interviews taking place throughout the weekend.

Announced Kapo
Announced Kapow! 2012 events include:
         Rufus Sewell introducing world exclusive footage from Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter
         An Audience with Nick Frost
         Gareth Evan talks ‘The Raid’ in the Momentum Showcase – with world exclusive footage from The Raid, Red Lights, Red Tails, House at the End of the Street
         Noel Clarke Q&A with exclusive footage from Storage 24
         Q&A with the creators of Batman Arkham City
         Jimmy Carr interviewing Frankie Boyle live on stage to talk about his love of comics and geek culture
         Jonathan Ross talking America’s Got Powers
         Peter Serafinowicz announce his first-ever comic-book project
Head of Marvel, Joe Quesada, and Head of DC, Dan DiDio, - the first time ever that both have been represented at the same UK event!
         Lucha Britannia, who have appeared at Glastonbury, Download, Reading, Leeds and The Brit Awards, features the high flying excitement and daredevil thrills of masked Mexican Lucha Libre wrestling
Nacho Vigalondo talking the Supercrooks movie
Artist portfolio reviews with Marvel, DC, 2000AD and Clint
         The International Stan Lee Awards
2000AD Mastermind where super-fans will compete to edit an issue of 2000AD office and be Tharg for a day
Panels, announcements and signings from A-list comic-book names throughout the weekend including Joe Quesada, Dan DiDio, Warren Ellis, Scott Snyder, Mark Millar, Sara Pichelli, Dave Gibbons, Frank Quitely, Bryan Hitch, Olivier Coipel plus over 40 more top creators
 s
Get your tickets (if there are any left) fromhttp://www.kapowcomicconvention.com

Tuesday 15 May 2012

AVENGERS ASSEMBLE THE MONEY

Marvel's Avengers Assemble (as the British must learn to say it because Americans think we might not be able to tell the difference between the pairings of John Steed/Emma Peel and The Hulk/Black Widow) has become the first Hollywood film ever to break $100 million dollars in its second week.

As reported on the BBC website, this is the second moneymaking records the film has smashed after taking over $200 million in its opening weekend.

It would seem that everyone loves Joss Whedon's take on the premier Marvel superhero tag team.

Monday 14 May 2012

THE DARKEST HOUR Review

Alien invasion movie THE DARKEST HOUR takes its action to Moscow when alien lights fall from the sky and turn out to be of a less than friendly nature.


The shiny disc formats are available from May 21st and the review for them is now on The Sci Fi Freak Site at http://www.scififreaksite.com/film/darkesthour/darkesthour.html.

Doctor Who Goes Welsh

MULTI-AWARD WINNING DOCTOR WHO EXPERIENCE
ANNOUNCES CARDIFF OPENING DATE

OFFICIAL OPENING DATE: 20th JULY
TICKETS ON SALE FROM 14th JUNE

“My exhibition of the year so far? The Doctor Who Experience” The Guardian

The hottest ticket in the universe” Daily Mail

“suddenly it’s as if you’re actually in an episode of the television series” The Telegraph


BBC Worldwide has announced the official opening date for their multi-award winning attraction the Doctor Who Experience in Cardiff, the home of the BBC One show. Doors will open to the public on the 20th July with tickets going on sale at 10am on the 14th June. 

Philip Murphy, Managing Director of BBC Worldwide Live Events said: “The Doctor Who Experience in Cardiff is going to be just minutes away from where the BBC Wales television series is made which I’m incredibly excited about. The Experience sets out to engage visitors’ imaginations from the outset immersing them in the world of Doctor Who and what better place to do this than in Cardiff the home of the show.”

The Doctor Who Experience is the first ever interactive Doctor Who exhibition that invites visitors to star in their very own Doctor Who adventure. Arriving at the venue they will step through a crack in time to become the Doctor’s companion, taking on the challenge of reuniting the Doctor with the TARDIS whilst fending off threats from some of his most fearsome foes - entering a Dalek spaceship and finding a way through a maze of Weeping Angels. Featuring a replica of the Eleventh Doctor’s TARDIS which visitors get to fly themselves the interactive walk-through culminates in a stunning 3D finale that sets the scene for fans entering the exhibition.

The exhibition presents fans with the world’s most extensive collection of original Doctor Who costumes and artefacts stretching back almost 50 years to the very first series of Doctor Who.
The content of the exhibition is updated constantly with new items from the television series to ensure it is ever changing offering fans the chance to get up close to the incredible sets, costumes and props that feature in their favourite show.  New items to be shown to the public for the first time in Cardiff include the Doctor’s cradle seen in A Good Man Goes to War; the Silence spaceship and Matt Smith’s sonic cane from Let’s Kill Hitler with many more items being kept under wraps until the doors open on 20th July. 

IRON SKY is a film unlike any other and we're not talking about the storyline that deals with nazis having taken refuge on the moon. No, this is a film that was paid for by online contributions. And with a storyline like that who wouldn't want to bung a few quied their way.

It's finally coming to the UK for one day only at cinemas before being moved to shiny disc format. Here's the publicity blurb:

In the final moments of World War II, a secret Nazi space program evaded destruction by fleeing to the Dark Side of the Moon. Over the next 70 years, in utter secrecy, the Nazis constructed a gigantic space fortress, amassing a veritable armada of flying saucers.
When American astronaut James Washington (Christopher Kirby) sets down his Lunar Lander a bit too close to the secret Nazi base, the Moon FĂĽhrer (Udo Kier) decides the glorious moment of retaking the Earth has arrived sooner than expected. Washington claims the mission is just a publicity stunt for the President of the United States (Stephanie Paul), but what else could the man be but a scout for the imminent attack by Earth forces? The Fourth Reich must act!
Two Nazi officers, ruthless Klaus Adler (Götz Otto) and idealistic Renate Richter (Julia Dietze), travel to Earth to prepare for the invasion. In the end when the Moon Nazi UFO armada darkens the skies, every man, woman and nation alike must re-evaluate their priorities.

Brought to life by Finnish Director Timo Vuorensola and producer Tero Kaukomaa, Iron Sky is a participatory cinema phenomenon, garnering enormous support through various social media networks and online channels. Over the five years of its production, over 10,000 fans participated in crowd funding and sourcing efforts. Such was the buzz created around Iron Sky that it attracted around 200 further investors who contributed over £500,000 towards production costs - raising the bar for community led filmmaking to new heights.